February 7, 2007
WWII Submarine returns home to Pier 45 "groomed and clean-shaven." San Francisco, Calif. Friday, February 9th, at 6am, the West Coast's only authentic World War II submarine, USS Pampanito, arrives back at San Francisco's Pier 45 after extensive refurbishing and restoration. "Workers at Bay Ship & Yacht in Alameda put in many skilled and talented hours to restore the submarine to its 1945 luster," says Aaron Washington, the Pampanito's manager. "Periodic dry-docking counters the constant exposure to sea water and salt air, allowing this national landmark to continue giving the whole family a realistic submarine experience. We do this every seven years to preserve the boat so that it's here for future generations to enjoy." Eamon O'Byrne, Executive Director of the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association (the organization that preserves and operates the submarine), adds: "We couldn't have completed this extraordinary refurbishing project without the tremendous effort of numerous volunteers. They gave - and continue to give - invaluable resources and time, which helps keep this floating museum viable for all to enjoy." Capture the majesty of the return and the "nudging" of the submarine, as the tug boats carefully maneuver the boat into position at Pier 45. To round out your story: historic photos, original artwork, oral histories and letters from the period during which the Pampanito was active in the Pacific; plus interviews with submarine vets, boat crew, maritime historian/curator and Association officers; also see the Pampanito Fact Sheet and https://maritime.org. TIMELINE FOR STORY AND PHOTO/VIDEO OPPORTUNITIES
ABOUT THE SUBMARINE USS PAMPANITO
ABOUT THE SAN FRANCISCO MARITIME NATIONAL PARK ASSOCIATION # # #
For more information:
https://maritime.org
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